We recently returned from a wonderful holiday in central and eastern Europe (and a few days in England), a glorious mix of sightseeing, hiking and kayaking. Castles, ancient cities, lovely landscapes, and fascinating history. Here are a few of my pictures.
Czech Republic:
Budapest:
Bulgaria:
Romania:
There were too many highlights to pick one, but a particular area was inspiring with regard to my writing: Maramures, in north-west Romania. Here they still use horses to work the farms, and still make haystacks the traditional way. While there were differences from the old ways in New Zealand, there were many ways in which I felt closer than usual to the lives my characters lived.
Devon:
Cornwall:
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Just wanted to comment to say that I recently discovered your books and have motored through them all! I love (almost) all your characters, and can’t wait to find out more about Daisy and Eddie’s future. Thank you for making the location and the period really come alive for me. Late last year I took a short trip to NZ, although I didn’t make it to the Bay of Plenty. We were mostly centred around the Bay of Islands, although we did take a day trip up to Cape Reinga. But we did visit a number of historical sites around KeriKeri (including the old homestead, the Stone Store, and the old hydroelectric power station) and Russell, as well as immersing ourselves in the natural wonders of the area. So in my head that’s what your Waituhi Valley and Ruatane look like (I hope that’s ok). It’s incredibly beautiful, and I can’t wait to come back to for another visit! Please keep writing – I can’t wait for your next book!
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Thanks, Christie, that’s great to hear!
The Bay of Islands is a lovely part of the country (and you may have noticed the small reference to Russell in “A Second Chance”). Of course every part of the country has its own characteristics, but it’s certainly more like the Bay of Plenty than (for instance) much of the South Island. The native forest is somewhat similar, as is some of the farmland.
I hope you do manage to visit New Zealand again!
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I have just finished reading all four books, Promises to Keep.
I read them all in quick succession as the characters and the story line had me captivated from start to finish. I love everything about them. The characters, the setting and the history element and coming from a New Zealand farming background it brought my grand parents and great grand parents daily lives alive for me. You are very talented and I am grateful a fellow workmate recommended these books. I have throughly enjoyed them. I look forward to any future books.
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Lovely to hear from a Kiwi reader, Kathy, especially with your farming background! It’s great to hear how much you’ve enjoyed the books. How nice of your workmate to recommend them.
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Will there be more books with Any and her family? I feel like things were left hanging, and I enjoyed so much of th I series!
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Hi Sandy,
Yes, there will! I do intend to continue Daisy’s story. I’m currently working on a book about Amy’s younger brothers, Tom and George, and when that’s finished I’ll be returning to Daisy and Eddie. Thanks for your patience 🙂
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Hi Shayne
I too have just read all your oops so far &have most thoroughly enjoyed them, especially with the covid outbreaks ( with nothing much to do)
I have just finished your book of After The Roses ,is there another book out at the moment that is the continuation of your amazing series ?
I have not been able to put your books don & don’t want to read anything else until I’ve read the last ofyouooks in this series…
Kind regards
Anne
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Thanks, Anne, that’s lovely to hear.
No new books just yet, but the new one is coming along – though I’ve a holdup at the moment, as I’ve broken my wrist 🙁